Join us for an exhilarating nature-based day tour in West Coast National Park, a biodiversity
hotspot located an hour and a half from Cape Town. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes, vast wetlands, and vibrant wildflower displays in spring, this park offers an ideal setting for our search for quintessential Cape Town reptiles and amphibians. Our main targets are Cape Town’s big three snakes: the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), Cape Cobra (Naja nivea), and Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Along the way, we’ll also look for other incredible species like the stunning Harlequin Snake, the speedy Cross-Marked Grass Snake, and the feisty Red-Lipped Herald. Keep an eye out for tortoises and lizards, which are plentiful throughout the park.
West Coast National Park is also home to magnificent wildlife, including eland, bontebok, mountain zebra, bat-eared fox, and the elusive caracal. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the over 250 species that call the park home, making it a mecca for birding. Walking among this incredible biodiversity and uncovering its hidden treasures promises to be an exceptionally rewarding experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore one of South Africa’s natural gems and encounter its fascinating wildlife up close.
Guests will meet at the Cape Town Waterfront, where they will be collected and dropped off after the tour
WCNP mostly contains strandveld vegetation. In the South African Context, the saltmarshes of Langebaan are unique in that no river feeds into the lagoon. These salt marshes constitute approximately 32% of the entire saltmarsh habitat in the country, the largest in South Africa.
6:00 AM – Collection at Cape Town Waterfront.
– Guests will be collected from the Cape Town Waterfront to begin our journey to West Coast National Park.
7:30 AM – Arrive at West Coast National Park.
– Arrive at West Coast National Park, a stunning coastal reserve known for its diverse landscapes, wetlands, and vibrant wildflower displays in spring. The park is home to a rich array of wildlife and over 250 bird species.
7:45 AM – Introduction to the Park and Species, Safety Briefing.
– Receive an introduction to the park and the reptiles and amphibians we are searching for, including the Puff Adder (Bitis arietans), Cape Cobra (Naja nivea), and Boomslang (Dispholidus typus). Learn how to safely search for and handle these snakes.
8:00 AM – Start Herping the Park.
– Begin our herping adventure, exploring under rocks, along the ground, and in bushes for various reptiles and amphibians. Keep an eye out for other species like the Harlequin Snake, Cross-Marked Grass Snake, Rhombic egg-eater and Red-Lipped Herald.
11:30 AM – Bird Hide and Refreshments.
– Head to a bird hide to enjoy the diverse bird life with coffee, drinks, and snacks. Take in the serene beauty of the park’s avian inhabitants.
12:30 PM – Game Drive and Scenic Exploration.
– Embark on a game drive through the park, searching for big game such as eland, bontebok, mountain zebra, bat-eared fox, and the elusive caracal. Enjoy the stunning views of the park and the lagoon, with an option for a quick swim.
1:30 PM – Return to Cape Town.
– After an enriching day of wildlife exploration, head back to Cape Town, where guests will be dropped off at the Cape Town Waterfront.
Join us for this incredible journey into the heart of West Coast National Park, where you’ll experience the park’s natural beauty and its diverse wildlife up close.
Embark on an extraordinary adventure just outside of Cape Town with our West Coast National Park Tour. Experience the thrill of searching for Cape Town’s iconic reptiles, including the Puff Adder (*Bitisarietans*), Cape Cobra (*Naja nivea*), and Boomslang (*Dispholidustypus*), alongside other fascinating species like the Harlequin Snake and the Red-Lipped Herald.
Enjoy birding from a serene hide, spotting some of the over 250 bird species that call the park home. Conclude the tour with a scenic game drive to observe majestic wildlife such as eland, bontebok, mountain zebra, and the elusive caracal.
Take in the breathtaking beauty of the park and its stunning lagoon, with an option for a refreshing swim. This unique tour offers an unparalleled way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and hidden treasures. Book your spot today for an unforgettable nature experience that no other tour provides!
